Organized Breast Cancer Screening Program in France

Screening Modalities

The organized breast cancer screening program targets women aged 50 to 74 at average risk. These women receive an invitation every two years to undergo a mammogram and a clinical breast examination, performed by an accredited radiologist.

The program is governed by comprehensive guidelines detailing its procedures, monitoring, and evaluation:

• – Every two years, eligible women receive a personalized invitation via mail, email, or SMS to consult an accredited radiologist.
• – The screening includes a mammogram (two images per breast: frontal and oblique views) combined with a clinical breast examination. The procedure is fully covered by national health insurance (Assurance Maladie), with no upfront costs for the patient.
• – Mammograms are systematically reviewed by a second expert radiologist if no abnormality is detected by the first reader. First readers must interpret at least 500 mammograms per year, while second readers must review at least 1,500 annually.
• – In case of a suspected abnormality, the first radiologist immediately conducts further diagnostic assessments, enabling quicker treatment decisions and reducing patient anxiety.

Outreach initiatives, known as “aller vers” actions, are currently being tested and implemented. These initiatives target vulnerable, underserved, and socially disadvantaged populations who are often distant from healthcare systems.